Pozzo Orefice

However you get there, the Fortezza Svevo-Angioina (10 minutes’ drive/15 minutes by bike) is pretty impressive. Built by Frederick II of Swabia in the 13th century, it’s open for potters around its ramparts, towers and courtyards. However, Lucera is not a one-trick pony; this medieval hilltop town also has a cathedral, an ancient Roman amphitheatre and lots of café-lined piazzas to discover. Another historic local spot is Foggia (an hour and 15 minutes’ drive), accessible by a state highway, a gorgeous city crammed with cultural gems. Check out the cathedral for its blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, the neoclassical Teatro Giordano, and the host of museums and churches before taking a deep breath and a wander in sprawling Parco del Boschetto. If you’d rather be out in spectacular nature, head for the Gargano National Park (45 minutes), where you can hike around hilly landscapes covered in olive groves and vineyards or follow trails through the protected Umbra Forest on mountain bikes. There are several scenic towns in the Gargano area, such as San Giovanni Rotondo (50 minutes), Monte Sant'Angelo (an hour and five minutes), Vieste (an hour and 50 minutes) and Peschici (an hour and 55 minutes). A little further on are the stunning Sub-Apennines and their small villages set between sloping oak forests.